Outreach

Christina Kurzthaler: “Recent advances in microfluidics and microscopy allow building new platforms for studying biological systems across several scales. Bridging experimental observations with our theoretical predictions has proven vital for identifying physical laws governing their complex dynamics. Using statistical physics and fluid mechanics, we study how the environment, imposing geometric constraints, hydrodynamic and chemical fields, shapes transport processes and self-organization of microorganisms and subcellular constituents. Our research further aims at leveraging biophysical concepts for designing new inanimate materials.”

Anne Grapin-Botton: “We try to understand how single cells act in a community to generate an organ. What is the contribution of individual cells? What biochemical and mechanical information do they exchange? To do so, we use mouse genetics, live imaging in 3D, transcriptomics, theoretical predictions and more synthetic organoid systems. Organoids enable us to test whether we understand enough to build organs and how they do so. They also open a window into human development, a process normally hidden in the womb. With this knowledge we attempt to gain insight into human syndromes impairing development sometimes causing disease later in life.”

Outreach is a key part of our institutional mission, but is vital for our Predocs as well. Our PhD students not only conduct quality research but also actively engage in sharing science with the community at large. By acquainting the public with our work, we build important connections - and a future for science in the world. 

Some of our specific outreach initiatives emerged from the PhD program itself, like Science Goes to School. The Seniorenakademie is a mutually beneficial seminar series, where Predocs and Postdocs present scientific talks to retirees in the community. This inquisitive older audience is excited to continue their lifelong learning, while our PhD students gain experience speaking about science with a different audience group.

Other events are co-organized with our network partners, like the Dresden Science Night (Dresdner Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften) or the Science & Society series of talks.